Surname Mac Cain - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mac Cain: What does the surname Mac Cain mean?
The surname Mac Cain is of Scottish and Irish origin and it essentially signifies "son of Cain" or "son of Cathan". The name "Cathan" itself derives from the Gaelic elements "cath" meaning "battle" and "an" meaning "one", so practically it could be interpreted as "one who is prepared for battle" or "warrior". Like many surnames that start with "Mac" or "Mc" (both meaning "son of"), it was formed by combining a common given name with this prefix. It's quite common in areas with Gaelic ancestry such as Scotland and Ireland, and among descendants in nations such as the United States and Australia. Over time and with migration, there can be different spellings and variations of the name, which include McCain, MacCain and others.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Cain: Where does the name Mac Cain come from?
The surname Mac Cain is derived from a Gaelic name, "Mac Cathain," meaning "son of Cathan". Cathan comes from an old Irish word “cath” which translates to “battle.” Thus, the name denotes "son of the one who engages in battle."
Mac Cain, in various forms such as McCain and MacKane, is much more common in areas with a strong historical Irish and Scottish influence. Therefore, this surname is most prevalent in Northern Ireland, specifically in County Londonderry. It's also found in Scotland, mainly in the area of Argyll.
As a result of migration over centuries, the name has also made its presence in other English-speaking nations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, albeit less frequently. In the United States, the name has been prominently borne by individuals like former senator and presidential candidate John McCain, making it a recognized surname across the country.
Variations of the surname Mac Cain
The surname Mac Cain is of Scottish origin and it has various spelling variants. There is a common assumption that it is derived from the Gaelic personal name Cathan which means battle. The prefix "Mac" denotes "son of". It is also thought to have originated from the region of Argyll and Bute in Scotland.
Here are some spelling variants of the surname Mac Cain:
- McCain (the most common variant)
- MacKane
- McCane
- MacKain
- MacCain
- MacCane
- Mc Cain
- Mc Kain
- Mc Kaine
- Mac Cathain (the original Gaelic form)
- McKane
- McKain
The surname also has multiple Anglicized forms and might appear very differently in old records due to phonetic spelling by various clerks and scribes. Please note that each variation of the surname might have a distinct origin and history. For a precise understanding of the surname origin and variations, genealogical research tracing specific family lineages might be necessary.
Famous people with the name Mac Cain
- There are not many famous people with the exact spelling "Mac Cain" reported. However, there are several well-known individuals with the alternate spelling "McCain". These include:
- John McCain: A prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Arizona and was the Republican nominee for President in 2008.
- Meghan McCain: A television host, author, and columnist who is the daughter of John McCain.
- Cindy McCain: A businesswoman, philanthropist, and humanitarian who was married to John McCain.
- Edwin McCain: An American singer-songwriter and musician known for his hit songs "I'll Be" and "I Could Not Ask For More".
- John S. McCain Jr.: A four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy who served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe. He was also the father of John McCain.
- John S. McCain Sr.: A four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was the father of John S. McCain Jr. and the grandfather of John McCain. Please note that this list could expand if you allow for different spellings of the surname "Mac Cain".